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Wed 3 Jan 2018, 09:00 GMT

Mixed news keeps oil in tight range


By A/S Global Risk Management.



Oil prices remained in a tight trading range on mixed news. The huge Forties pipeline as well as a Libyan pipeline have both restarted, but the geopolitical risk premium in Iran has increased heavily.

Along with the current unrest in Iran, the U.S. president has refused to certify the international accord on the nuclear deal. The president also continues to spur fears of an escalation of the ongoing nuclear dispute between the U.S. and North Korea.

The Forties Pipeline transports around 450,000 barrels per day of North Sea Brent oil and was closed due to a leak in mid-December. Now the force majeure has been lifted and is "fully operational", according to the operator.

Tonight the weekly oil stocks data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) is published; consensus is draw in crude oil stocks, builds in gasoline and distillates stocks. Tomorrow, the more-closely-followed report from the EIA is published.

Turning to economic data, today will see the U.S. central bank meeting minutes as well as ISM Manufacturing PMI from the U.S. published. Chinese Caixin Services PMI is released overnight. .


Vessels at sea. Dual-fuel container ship and vehicle carrier fleet reaches 400 vessels  

World Shipping Council reports 83% increase in operational dual-fuel vessels during 2025.

Photograph of a blue cargo vessel. Lloyd’s Register publishes first guidance notes for onboard hydrogen generation systems  

Classification society addresses regulatory gap as shipowners explore producing hydrogen from alternative fuels onboard.

Erasmusbrug bridge in Rotterdam. Rotterdam bunker industry faces upheaval as new regulations drive up costs and shift volumes  

Red III compliance costs and a mass flow meter mandate are creating operational challenges across the ARA region.

Neil Chapman, VPS. VPS appoints Neil Chapman as managing director for the Americas  

Maritime services company names industry veteran to lead regional operations and client partnerships.

Oil refinery infrastructure. Maritime industry shifts towards LNG as alternative fuel enthusiasm stalls  

Geopolitical concerns drive shipping leaders to prioritise established fuels over newer alternatives, survey finds.

OceanScore logo. OceanScore reaches $5m annual recurring revenue as emissions compliance demand grows  

Hamburg-based firm supports compliance workflows for more than 2,500 vessels as regulations enter operational phases.

Jiangnan Shipyard LNG carrier construction contract signing. Jiangnan Shipyard secures order for four LNG carriers from Shell  

Chinese yard to build 175,000-cbm vessels for delivery between 2028 and 2029.

Varsha Sudheer, Island Oil. Island Oil appoints Varsha Sudheer as senior trader in Dubai  

Marine fuel supplier strengthens trading platform with new hire at recently established UAE hub.

Bitoil Group logo. Bitoil Group seeks bunker trader for Dubai operations  

Dubai-based company is recruiting for a senior bunker trader role to manage global fuel sales and procurement.

Hiring concept with puzzle pieces and a magnifying glass. Uni-Fuels seeks bunker traders for new London operation  

Singapore-headquartered firm advertises position as part of UK expansion.


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